“We’ve been planning a backyard barbecue that’s actually more than a backyard barbecue,” Oprah revealed in a July 4 Instagram video. “It’s for Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day because my father is ill and so we wanted to be able to have all of his friends come and celebrate him while he’s able to receive the joy.”
The festivities were a complete surprise for Vernon. “He doesn’t even know that this is for him,” Oprah, who had been at her dad’s side in Nashville throughout his illness, explained. “He thinks it’s a Fourth of July thing.”
She then guided Gayle King, who filmed the video, on a tour of the garden party, which featured multiple tents and chairs all set up as friends chatted around the backyard. And, because no party would be complete without it, she pointed out all the delicious food too, including fried chicken, turkey, hamburgers and more.
“Giving my father his ‘flowers’ while he’s still well enough to smell them,” she captioned the post. “Happy 4th of July as you gather with your family and friends. Remember to celebrate each other.”
Vernon passed away more than three years after Oprah’s mother, Vernita Lee, died in 2018 at the age of 83.
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